How To Become An Electrician

One of today’s high demand careers is that of an electrician. You may wonder how to become a electrician? Basic preparation to becoming an electrician involves studying math, mechanical drawing, science and electronics. An aspiring electrician can learn his craft in two ways. He can become educated through studying at a vocational school, college, community college, military or the Job Corp. An apprenticeship follows of up to five years where he obtains hands on experience. When the apprenticeship ends, he is eligible to take the journeyman licensing test. After passing the test, he becomes a licensed electrician.
The electrician’s education requires around 144 hours of study and can be done online and in a class room setting. The student learns electrical theory, local electronic and building codes, mathematics, blueprint reading and the national electric code. The student is also taught survival techniques like first aid practices and basic safety. If the student selects a specialty, he will learn welding, fire alarm systems, cranes, elevators or communications in addition to the more basic electrical knowledge.
An apprenticeship program can be entered through an a sponsor such as a union apprenticeship program with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. The state also sponsors apprenticeships. If you learn how to become an electrician in the armed forces, you will be exposed to the most recent technology and you may be able to travel extensively as well. The average apprenticeship is 8000 hours of on the job training beginning with simple tasks and escalating to more and more complicated responsibilities. The first tasks he may be entrusted with is drilling holes, setting anchors or setting up conduit. Next he may measure, install, connect and test wiring, switches and outlets.
The first license you will obtain is the Journeyman Electrician’s license. A journeyman electrician can perform many more tasks as an electrician. He should understand electrical design, maintenance and installation. As a journeyman he is now qualified to work in commercial, residential and industrial settings. He can also train other aspiring electricians who are apprenticing. He may elect to advance to the Master Electrician level which enables him to be a practicing electrical contractor owning his own business. They may choose to become electrical inspectors or supervisors and manage other electricians.
The career of an electrician can be very exciting, depending on the specialty chosen. If you have an aptitude for the work, it’s an excellent career choice. The average hourly wage for a licensed electrician is $40 per hour and that increases if you attain your master electrician’s license. If you are comfortable with heights, cramped spaces, and can work out math problems quickly and accurately, and electrical career is something you should consider. There are many different ways to obtain the necessary education and training. You can begin with education in a school setting or get hired on as a gopher on a construction site and request an unofficial apprenticeship with the onsite electrician. You could take classes at the local trade school, community college or online. The are many options available for your introduction to the world of the electrician. After you obtain your licenses you will be qualified to work in many different settings. If you choose independence, you can start your own contracting company with the master electrician’s license.